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Seven Habits of Highly Effective Students

Habit One: Be Proactive

  • I am a responsible person.
  • I take initiative.
  • I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
  • I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind

  • I plan ahead and set goals.
  • I do things that have meaning and make a difference.
  • I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit Three: Put First Things First

  • I spend my time on things that are most important.
  • This means I say no to things I know I should not do.
  • I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.
  • I am disciplined and organized.

Habit Four: Think Win - Win

  • I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.
  • I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts.
  • When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Habit Five: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

  • I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings.
  • I try to see things from their viewpoints.
  • I listen to others without interrupting.
  • I am confident in voicing my ideas.
  • I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit Six: Synergize

  • I value other people’s strengths, and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me.
  • I work well in groups.
  • I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone.
  • I am humble.

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw

  • I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.
  • I spend time with my family and friends.
  • I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school.
  • I take time to make meaningful ways to help others.

Source: Covey, Stephen R. (2008) The Leader in Me: How Schools and Parents around the World are Inspiring Greatness, One Child At A Time. Free Press. Detroit MI.